Before laying down your 'plastic' to buy a string of pearls or bracelet or claddagh ring wear, read all you can about it so you are a well education purchaser. At search site or store, investigate their pricing, service and the quality of what they are offering. d. Be sure you understand and can live with the store (or websites) exchange and return policies. c. Ask about the seller's guarantee and/or warranty on the item being bought. Be sure to get, in writing, on the sales receipt, any information you relied on when making your purchase, such as the gem's weight or size. Some jewelers will supply a grading report from a gemological laboratory.

We can't think of another purchase category beyond jewelry where the reputation and honesty of the seller is more important. Do all you can to investigate the business practices of the jeweler whether you are buying precious stones, gold, platinum or claddagh ring wear. Be sure the store has a long-standing, solid reputation in the community. You want to find out if the jeweler is a member of any industry organizations and what requirements are necessary to be a member. The BBB is an excellent source of investigation on a business. Determine if the store's sale people have any gemological and appraisal education.

The BBB Reliability seal is a good indicator of the online store's compliance with good business practices and a seal you should look for when buying diamonds, watches, pearls or claddagh ring wear. Document the details related to your purchase for future use, if necessary. A conversation with a sales person from the online store as you want to 'get personal' as if you had visited a 'bricks and mortar' store. In addition, be sure that you document all conversation and details of the transaction. Closing remark - your recipient of claddagh ring wear is one lucky person!